Water and Waste Management
Water and Waste Management
At Donlin Gold, responsible waste management and environmental stewardship are top priorities.
Waste Management
With the exploration camp closed in 2024, waste generation was minimal. As operations resume in 2025, we anticipate an increase in waste production and remain committed to reducing waste and enhancing recycling efforts.
Waste at the site is managed efficiently:
- Burnable materials like paper and cardboard are incinerated in a state-permitted facility.
- Non-burnable materials, including metals and plastics, along with incineration ash, are disposed of in the state-permitted landfill.
As a development-stage company, NOVAGOLD does not generate tailings, waste rock, or processing waste or wastewater, as there are no operating mines or industrial facilities associated with the project.
Environmental Compliance
In 2024, Donlin Gold maintained a strong record of environmental compliance, with no instances of noncompliance with permit requirements. Due to minimal waste generation, total waste was not fomally tracked.
Strict safety protocols govern the transportation, management, and disposal of fuels and hazardous chemicals used at the site, including diesel, aviation fuel, gasoline, and propane.
Reclamation
Adhering to state reclamation requirements, Donlin Gold successfully restored approximately one acre of previously disturbed land in 2024 and submitted the required documentation for state approval.
Spill Prevention
NOVAGOLD sets ambitious environmental targets for spill prevention at project sites. In 2024, we met our goal of zero spills to water and zero spills of ten gallons or more to land across all project sites and offices. Notably, there were no spills that required reporting to government agencies.
As we move forward, Donlin Gold remains committed to minimizing environmental impact and upholding the highest standards of sustainability and compliance.
| 2022-2024 spills | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Spills of 10 gallons or more to land | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Water Use & Management
During the reporting period, camp operations were limited, and field activity was minimal, resulting in reduced water consumption.
Runoff from field activities is carefully managed to comply with state water quality permit requirements. All water withdrawals and usage are authorized by the State of Alaska, ensuring the protection of local water resources and minimizing impacts on streams and aquatic life.
The camp sources its domestic water from groundwater wells, while sanitary wastewater is processed through a septic leach field. Given the site’s status as a non-operational mine, environmental risks from wastewater and waste management remain minimal, as no industrial waste or wastewater is generated.
Water-related risks primarily stem from the Donlin Gold project. However, due to the limited site activity during the development phase, these risks are negligible. As the project transitions into construction and operation, water management will become increasingly important. Future operations are designed to maximize water reuse, prevent uncontrolled discharges, and ensure that mine contact water meets water quality standards before being discharged.
In 2024, Donlin Gold consumed approximately 4,094 gallons of groundwater for camp operations, significantly lower than in previous years—282,276 gallons in 2023 and 549,478 gallons in 2022. Potable water use is tracked via a meter, while Temporary Water Use Authorizations granted for drilling operations do not require metering. While water consumption tracking is currently limited, monitoring capabilities will be implemented when the project enters its construction and operational phases. Given the site’s low water use and abundant regional water resources, water scarcity is not a concern at this time.
2024 Groundwater Usage
Similar to fluctuating greenhouse gas emissions, annual water usage at the site varies based on camp activities, including domestic supply, core cutting, and equipment maintenance. With limited field activity in 2024, water consumption was relatively low. However, increased field operations anticipated in 2025 are expected to drive water use higher.
In 2024, NOVAGOLD’s offices in Salt Lake City and Vancouver used approximately 150,000 gallons of water, sourced from municipal systems and largely returned to the environment, with only minimal losses due to personal consumption. In total, NOVAGOLD and the Donlin Gold project used around 154,000 gallons of water in 2024—a notable decrease compared to previous years—primarily due to the reduced level of site activity. Nearly all water utilized was recycled back into the environment.
